Welcome to RCTalk
Come join other RC enthusiasts! You'll be able to discuss, share and private message with other members of our community.
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
WickedFog
Starter of too many projects
Supporter
Excellence Award
Hospitality Award
Rig of the Month Winner
Build Thread Contributor
- Messages
- 15,098
- Reaction score
- 21,457
- Location
- Terre Haute, IN
- RC Driving Style
- Bashing
- Crawling
- Scale Builder
I would try a torx bit. If that doesn't work, drilling it out should be easy enough.
tntpoof
Whats Up Doc?
- Messages
- 4,418
- Reaction score
- 2,289
- Location
- Taylor Michigan
- RC Driving Style
- Bashing
- Racing
- Flying
- Boating
thats why I have carbide dremel tool bits .got the for 5 $ a handful before they closed
I would save drilling as an absolute last resort.
1) At the first hint of a screw not budging I find it extremely important to apply heat, many will use a soldering iron to melt the thread lock but I use a micro torch like this apply direct flame for about 5-10 seconds and the screw should come out effortlessly, even a partially stripped screw:
https://www.amazon.com/Weller-Mini-Butane-Torch-WLTBUM2/dp/B09BBVDLWT/
2) If the screw has been stripped beyond the tool from fitting properly, then I still apply heat and will use this micro extractor set here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08XXP1SD9/
3) Very rarely have I had a screw not come out by this point, but the next step I would take is using a pinion puller like this:
https://www.amazon.com/DEVMO-Pinion-Puller-Universal-Remover/dp/B0971HDRJH/
4) Drilling out screws is a very painful process, but IF I were to ever go that route I would use a reverse thread bit which is essentially what is included in the extractor set I linked above
5) Dremel would be absolute last resort to cut the pinion off, where pinion gears are disposable and should be replaced regularly anyway
1) At the first hint of a screw not budging I find it extremely important to apply heat, many will use a soldering iron to melt the thread lock but I use a micro torch like this apply direct flame for about 5-10 seconds and the screw should come out effortlessly, even a partially stripped screw:
https://www.amazon.com/Weller-Mini-Butane-Torch-WLTBUM2/dp/B09BBVDLWT/
2) If the screw has been stripped beyond the tool from fitting properly, then I still apply heat and will use this micro extractor set here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08XXP1SD9/
3) Very rarely have I had a screw not come out by this point, but the next step I would take is using a pinion puller like this:
https://www.amazon.com/DEVMO-Pinion-Puller-Universal-Remover/dp/B0971HDRJH/
4) Drilling out screws is a very painful process, but IF I were to ever go that route I would use a reverse thread bit which is essentially what is included in the extractor set I linked above
5) Dremel would be absolute last resort to cut the pinion off, where pinion gears are disposable and should be replaced regularly anyway
tshimp
RCTalk Member
- Messages
- 37
- Reaction score
- 35
- RC Driving Style
- Bashing
I have used something similar to the below. I have not tried for a grub screw but works great for regular.
https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Women-...ywords=Screw+Extractor+and+Remove+Set&sr=8-17
https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Women-...ywords=Screw+Extractor+and+Remove+Set&sr=8-17
WickedFog
Starter of too many projects
Supporter
Excellence Award
Hospitality Award
Rig of the Month Winner
Build Thread Contributor
- Messages
- 15,098
- Reaction score
- 21,457
- Location
- Terre Haute, IN
- RC Driving Style
- Bashing
- Crawling
- Scale Builder
I've never had to resort to a screw extractor on an RC car.
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/tips-and-tools-for-removing-stubborn-fasteners.131281/
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/tips-and-tools-for-removing-stubborn-fasteners.131281/
nino
RCTalk Addict
I went to the "drill it" answer right away merely because I never had success getting stripped tiny screws out any other way. If I remember correctly, the 2 or 3 times I did it the set screw just kinda crumbled and I could clean out the threads in the pinion and it was still usable.
Have you guys never used a Dremel cutting wheel to cut a notch in the grub screw to remove it with a flat head screwdriver?
Oh. It always works for me!
WickedFog
Starter of too many projects
Supporter
Excellence Award
Hospitality Award
Rig of the Month Winner
Build Thread Contributor
- Messages
- 15,098
- Reaction score
- 21,457
- Location
- Terre Haute, IN
- RC Driving Style
- Bashing
- Crawling
- Scale Builder
Most set screws are recessed into the pinion, making using a dremel on them impossible, unless you want to sacrifice the pinion. In that case, just drilling it out is far easier. It's not hard at all to drill a grub screw out without damaging the pinion. I have never had to resort to that, cutting a slot, or using extractors on RC's, but I have done it a number of times on other projects. I don't really get why people have so much trouble with RC fasteners. If they're rusted, soak with penetrating oil for a day. They come right out. If they are loctited in, apply heat. If you strip the socket, use a torx. It's that simple.
